Patrick Mendis named to U.S. National Commission for UNESCO

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Patrick Mendis, a professor who has taught international relations at the University of Minnesota and once worked for the Minnesota House of Representatives, has been named to the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Mendis, who has written op-ed pieces for MinnPost, is now an affiliate professor of public and international affairs at George Mason University in Virginia.

Working at the State Department, Mendis advised the U.S. Delegations to the United Nations, coordinated the science and technology policy with the White House, and served as the secretariat director of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. He has also worked for the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

A State Department press release about Mendis’ appointment quotes some dignitaries on his qualifications:

Former Senate Majority Leader Thomas Daschle: “Dr. Mendis has extensive experience in foreign policy and international trade having served previously in the Department of State.”

Congresswoman Betty McCollum: “The depth of knowledge and experience as diplomat possessed by Dr. Mendis makes him a natural choice to join the US National Commission for UNESCO. His leadership on the commission will be extremely valuable to our country.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar: “Dr. Mendis is a respected leader and award-winning public servant, teacher, and diplomat” who has served in “the US Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Defense, and State …”

Mendis, who was born in Sri Lanka but educated in Minnesota, called his appointment “a distinct honor to serve my adopted country through the UNESCO Commission.”

The legendary Edward Burdick, chief clerk of the Minnesota House of Representatives, departed from us one year ago this month. Still, his bronze visage as the “Voice of the House” at the entrance to the House chamber permanently greets visitors to the Minnesota Capitol.